UNITEC applies optical sorting to improve date quality and consistency

In today’s date market, quality is no longer judged only by appearance. Buyers and consumers expect consistency, shelf life, and reliability with every shipment. This is where technology plays a decisive role — and where UNITEC positions itself.

With more than 100 years of experience, UNITEC designs and manufactures sorting, grading and packing solutions for fruit, nuts and fresh vegetables. Its approach is straightforward: help packers make better decisions, reduce waste, and send each product to the right market, every time.

In a competitive global environment, the ability to select quality accurately and run reliable processes has become essential. Every fruit tells a different story, and technology helps read that story — guiding it toward the market where it delivers the most value.

Responding to rising expectations in the date market

Global demand for dates continues to grow, driven by interest in natural and nutritious products. Dates are now consumed not only as fresh fruit, but also as ingredients in processed and functional foods. As expectations rise, visual appeal, taste, and consistency have become non-negotiable.

UNITEC’s technologies are designed to protect and highlight these qualities. Through its patented VISION/SORT and UNIQ systems, the company can analyse both external and internal quality parameters without damaging the fruit, ensuring that each delivery meets market requirements.

Precision sorting, inside and out

External quality is the first step. With the DATES SORT 4.0 AI system, 100% of each date’s surface is scanned. The system identifies size, colour, and external defects with high accuracy, allowing packers to create uniform batches, increase processing speed, and access higher-value markets.

Internal quality matters just as much. UNITEC’s UNIQ technology detects invisible organoleptic parameters linked to shelf life and storability. This non-destructive analysis helps reduce unnecessary waste while ensuring consistent quality for buyers and consumers.

From technology to measurable results

According to Ali Ben Bachir, Founder and CEO of Les Délices Majhoul in Morocco, continuity and reliability are key to success in the date industry.

By introducing UNITEC’s latest optical sorting systems, his company increased precision in classifying dates by colour, size and uniformity. The result was the creation of homogeneous batches that consistently meet strict international specifications. Automated detection of internal and external defects also reduced unjustified waste, improved product valorisation, and optimised handling times.

Built around customers, not just machines

Customer satisfaction remains the driver behind UNITEC’s ongoing development. The company works closely with its clients, adapting solutions to specific operational needs rather than offering one-size-fits-all systems.

This support is backed by a global presence, with operating branches in major producing countries and commercial activity in more than 65 markets worldwide. Through direct dialogue, technical support and long-term partnership, UNITEC positions itself as a reliable presence throughout the supply chain.

For UNITEC, technology is not an end in itself. It is a practical tool designed to deliver results — from better quality decisions to stronger competitiveness in global markets.

For collaboration opportunities and a free consultation, please send an inquiry.